Ben Apologizes to Teammates

[SCMom]

Hines Ward: Ben Roethlisberger 'broke down' in emotional apology to Steelers on Thursday

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward said that QB Ben Roethlisberger emotionally addressed his teammates on Thursday night after his final game before a four-game suspension began.

"He broke down," Ward told Steel City Insider, via CBS Sports. "The reality sets in. He's feeling the pain because now it's hitting home."

Roethlisberger appeared in the Steelers' 19-3 win against the Panthers before heading to New York on Friday, where NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reduced his suspension for violating the league's personal-conduct policy from six to four games.

The QB will not be allowed around the team during his suspension, so Thursday's game was the last interaction he'll be allowed before he serves the punishment.

"He apologized to all the guys," Ward said. "It was very heartwarming. He didn't have to do it."

Roethlisberger's suspension stemmed from an investigation into an alleged sexual assault against a 20-year-old woman. He was not arrested or charged, and later admitted to "dumb" and "immature" behavior.

Steel City Insider's Mike Prisuta reported that Roethlisberger wept while addressing his teammates. Said the QB:

"It's very tough, kind of emotional. I just gotta do what I gotta do."

Steelers president Art Rooney II expressed support for Roethlisberger on Friday. The Steelers have not announced who will start at QB in Roethlisberger's absence. Byron Leftwich suffered a torn MCL on Thursday, which could leave the team to select from either third-year player Dennis Dixon or veteran Charlie Batch.

http://content.usatoday.com/communit...-on-thursday/1

[Downbylaw]

What they dont mention is that he broke down in front of Goodell too. I've always said Ben needs someone to stand up to him. Cowher didnt. Tomlin didnt. Goodell did and look at the results. If it turns out to make Ben a better person that is great for the Steelers. GO STEELERS!!!!!

[Killer]

whatever - that's between him and the team - reporters should butt out


QB guru will try to keep Roethlisberger sharp

The most important person in Ben Roethlisberger’s life over the next month will be George Whitfield Jr., a quarterback guru from San Diego.


“It will initiate through Ben,” said Whitfield, 32, who owns Whitfield Athletix, a quarterbacks academy, in San Diego. “I’m really going to draw from him what he’d like to do, what he’d like to put his focus on. Once we (determine) those areas, I’ll begin wrapping the workouts around them.

“You can be assured it will be a lot of the classic quarterback ingredients: a ton of drop drills, a lot of footwork, making sure he’s in rhythm, getting his endurance up. Just making sure we’re replicating his routine as best as he can as if he were across town in practice.

“The game plan is to get him a good daily workout, try to put him through the paces. I’m going to let him craft this thing, and then just provide the technical support and fire behind it.”


“I was really blown away by how athletic and agile he is,” Whitfield said of Roethlisberger. “I mean, he’s built like a defensive end, or a big basketball player, but he’s really light on his feet. I can’t believe how a man who’s 6-5 and 250 plus pounds can move and have that type of agility.”

ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Ron Jaworski said the most important thing Roethlisberger can do over the next month is throw the football.

“I think it is absolutely critical that he continues to throw, probably four or five times a week, to keep himself sharp,” Jaworski said. “Finding guys to throw to is what I would recommend.”

Whitfield said he doesn’t know where the workouts will take place:”It will probably be a high school football field or some area where we can get some work done and try to keep the circus atmosphere down as much as we can,” he said — or who else will participate in the workouts. Roethlisberger and the Tollners are handling those logistics.

Roethlisberger is expected to throw to receivers who have NFL experience but are currently out of the league. A defensive back or two likely will join them.

“He’s going to have to throw some ‘competition balls’ I call them,” Whitfield said. “ ‘I have to beat this defensive back aside from just completing the pass.’ “

http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed...isberger-sharp

[scsteeler]

Originally Posted by Downbylaw

What they dont mention is that he broke down in front of Goodell too. I've always said Ben needs someone to stand up to him. Cowher didnt. Tomlin didnt. Goodell did and look at the results. If it turns out to make Ben a better person that is great for the Steelers. GO STEELERS!!!!!

We don't Know if Cowher or Tomlin did not stood up to Ben, I think they did but had either one of them took Ben out of a few games for his off field antics the fans and even maybe some of the front office would be calling for the coaches Head. I think each coach handled Ben in the appropriate manner.

[StainlessStill]

Originally Posted by scsteeler

We don't Know if Cowher or Tomlin did not stood up to Ben, I think they did but had either one of them took Ben out of a few games for his off field antics the fans and even maybe some of the front office would be calling for the coaches Head. I think each coach handled Ben in the appropriate manner.

Coaches can't play babysitter to these athletes who are millionaires by the time their 20-21. This is a ego driven athletic talent base, as well as an ego driven game. I'm sure everyone within the organization has tried to talk to Ben in such a manor, including Cowher AND Tomlin. Cowher even admitted to try talking to Ben when his responses were "we're winning."

..And Ben was certainly right. Of course these players go through behavior controlled systems to act like a profession of the business but winning changes everything. Ben was always in the shadow of winning football and that left the coaching staff stranded on how to handle the QB of their football team OFF the field.

You bet your ass if we would have been losing all these years, then a Mike Shannahan/Albert Haynseworth type situation would of been brewed up and that's the LAST thing Pittsburgh OR the Rooney's would want to deal with. We did well. In a way, this is a blessing in disguise. Everyone will come out a better person because of it and ultimately, our football team.

[SoCalFan]

WHEN HE COMES BACK,LOOK OUT!!!! Im hoping he comes back with fire and determination like we have never seen before to put him back at the top of the league and show the world we have some great young recievers.Going 3-1 would be great,also he will be rested and healthy.Hope he gets game speed and timing down quick!

[scsteeler]

I think Ben will come back with something to prove and yes I agree look out cause he will Show why his name should be listed as one of the Elite QB's.

I would be happy with 2-2 record when Ben gets back.

[zulater]

Originally Posted by Downbylaw

What they dont mention is that he broke down in front of Goodell too. I've always said Ben needs someone to stand up to him. Cowher didnt. Tomlin didnt. Goodell did and look at the results. If it turns out to make Ben a better person that is great for the Steelers. GO STEELERS!!!!!

How do you know Cowher didn't? I know he and Ben seem to be on good terms now, but I also know his relationship with Cowher was always a little uneasy when Cowher was the coach.And of course Ben didn't bother to keep it secret that he didn't have much use for Whisenhunt. It's only since Tomlin took over that Ben seems to have gotten the key to the executive bathroom. the golf outings with Arains and all.

Anyway, for the most part for a change i think I'm in agreement with your overall point. I think the Steelers had become Ben's enablers prior to whatever happened in Ga. and I think it's a good thing that it's changed. ( hopefully it has)

[Downbylaw]

Originally Posted by StainlessStill

Coaches can't play babysitter to these athletes who are millionaires by the time their 20-21. This is a ego driven athletic talent base, as well as an ego driven game. I'm sure everyone within the organization has tried to talk to Ben in such a manor, including Cowher AND Tomlin. Cowher even admitted to try talking to Ben when his responses were "we're winning."

..And Ben was certainly right. Of course these players go through behavior controlled systems to act like a profession of the business but winning changes everything. Ben was always in the shadow of winning football and that left the coaching staff stranded on how to handle the QB of their football team OFF the field.

You bet your ass if we would have been losing all these years, then a Mike Shannahan/Albert Haynseworth type situation would of been brewed up and that's the LAST thing Pittsburgh OR the Rooney's would want to deal with. We did well. In a way, this is a blessing in disguise. Everyone will come out a better person because of it and ultimately, our football team.

+1000

[Downbylaw]

Originally Posted by zulater

How do you know Cowher didn't? I know he and Ben seem to be on good terms now, but I also know his relationship with Cowher was always a little uneasy when Cowher was the coach.And of course Ben didn't bother to keep it secret that he didn't have much use for Whisenhunt. It's only since Tomlin took over that Ben seems to have gotten the key to the executive bathroom. the golf outings with Arains and all.

Anyway, for the most part for a change i think I'm in agreement with your overall point. I think the Steelers had become Ben's enablers prior to whatever happened in Ga. and I think it's a good thing that it's changed. ( hopefully it has)

What did Cowher do after Ben rode the bike without a helmet after he warned him not to? Cowher started him thats what he did. At the expense of the team. Cowher did the same with that BUM Kordell. Started a qb who was not ready at the expense of the team. Ben had no penalties from Cowher so he continued to ride without a helmet.